Teachers Accused Of Mistreating Pupils To Be Given Anonymity

Teachers who have been accused of mistreating pupils are to be granted anonymity, to prevent their careers being wrecked by potentially untrue and malicious allegations.

The dramatic announcement will be made today as part of a wider Government pledge to put a stop to the bad behaviour in Britain's schools.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb will give new powers for teachers to restrain and search unruly pupils, and a repeal of legislation requiring schools to give parents 24 hours' written notice of detentions.

Mr Gibb will announce that a Justice Bill to be published by the Government later this year will give teachers the right to remain anonymous when accused of abuse or ill-treatment, unless they are then charged with a criminal offence.

At the moment, studies have suggested that one in four teaching staff has faced false claims. Of accusations made, only 2% result in cautions or convictions.

Mr Gibb has said: 'We can strengthen staff authority and minimise opportunities for challenge to it.

'Since joining the Department for Education I have heard how teachers are afraid to use force to control dangerous and disruptive pupils for fear of retribution and malicious allegations.

'We will simplify the legislation to make it clearer when and how teachers might need to use force to control pupils.

'Importantly we are giving teachers subject to allegations by pupils anonymity unless and until they are charged with an offence.'

Some ministers believe that the current structure drives a lot of male teachers away.

The new legislation would put a stop to career-destroying cases like that of Teresa McKenzie, the deputy head of a school in Cheshire, who appeared in court accused of seducing a 16-year-old boy and having sex with him after sending him steamy love notes. She was cleared after he was exposed as a serial liar with a history of sexual advances to teachers and social workers.